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Know the Science: 9 Questions To Help You Make Sense of Health Research

Know the Science: 9 Questions To Help You Make Sense of Health Research

6. Are there potential conflicts of interest?

In viewing the results of any study it is important to look for potential conflicts of interest or other sources of bias. It is useful to understand who funded the study. How removed were the sponsor and the investigators from any financial or reputational “stake” in the study outcome? Is there similar evidence from other independent sources? Fortunately, most medical journal articles now include information about relevant financial relationships.